Books and reading

In January 2018 we are changing the standard loan period for books and audiobooks from four weeks to three weeks. Any books and audiobooks you borrow from 2 Jan will be issued for three weeks.

This means that items will be returned sooner, so you don’t have to wait as long to enjoy your next read.

Find out more about the range of books and reading you can access through our libraries.

How can I borrow library books?

There are three ways to borrow and they are all free:

Standard Loans

These are for our main collection of books and include new titles, bestsellers, new authors and popular fiction, such as Mills and Boons, classics, sci-fi and fantasy. We also have non-fiction books on a wide range of subjects including cookery, health, travel, sport and biography. You can borrow them for up to three weeks. After that, you can normally renew them for another three weeks. If you don't return them on time we may charge you a late fee.

One Week Loans

These are for very popular current titles that everyone wants to read. You borrow, read and return the book within one week so that no-one else has to wait long to read them. You can renew them for one more week. If you don't return them on time we may charge you a late fee.

No Late Fee

We have a collection of books you can borrow for up to six months. You can borrow up to two books at a time from this collection with no late fees to pay.

How can I renew library books?

You can renew your books one of the following ways...

Online through the library catalogue - select "my account" and login using your borrower number and PIN - this is set to the first two and last two digits of your date of birth

Do you have books in other formats?

We have books in large print if you find the standard text is too small We have Audiobooks on CD, if you prefer to listen. We usually charge for borrowing audio books but, if you qualify for concessions, they are free.

Do you have newspapers and magazines?

You can read newspapers and magazines in our libraries. You can also borrow popular leisure magazines for one week, which can be renewed for one more week. There is no charge for this service.

How can I find books that I want?

You can find what you are looking for by searching our library catalogue. You can do this in any of our libraries or from your own computer.

Can I get a book or other item if it’s not on the shelves at my local library?

You can place a hold on books and other items which are out on loan or located at another library and you can pick them up from a library of your choice in Derby. There is a charge for this service.

How do you let me know when my hold is ready to pick up?

We can let you know by e-mail or by letter. Notification by email is free. If you choose to receive notification by post, this will cost you 70p. Let staff know how you want to receive your hold notification and make sure they always have your up to date contact details.

How to get more out of reading?

If you are not sure what to read next, the following suggestions may be of use. All of these options are free.

Events

Come along to one of our events, we have a regular programme of author talks, quizzes and other interactive events aimed at readers which are listed on our events page or ask a member of staff what’s coming up soon.

Ask the library staff

Ask a member of staff at your library. Our staff are always happy to help you choose a good read or suggest a new author.